Music Lessons in Westwood, NJ

Instruments: Piano Cello Drums Orchestral Percussion

For every student, I first find out their personal interests in music as well as outside the music to develop a personal agenda for them. This personal agenda consists of different basic training, exercises, and repertoire that are designed to make them a better overall musician all the while becoming more skilled at the type of genre they wish to learn. On top of that, we spend a small portion of our lesson just listening and analyzing music. Read More

Instruments: Piano Bass Guitar Double Bass

I thoroughly enjoy making my own curriculums based on each student's unique learning style. I do combine elements of other books or methods I've seen or learned myself too though, and am open to working through any books that the student themself finds interesting. Normally for beginner musicians, I like to take them through the basics of reading sheet music, as that has been a cornerstone to my learning as well. Read More

Instruments: Drums

I have been teaching for a little over a year now. My students range from ages 8 to almost 60. I specialize in helping beginners and intermediate drummers. I truly enjoy watching a musician accomplish something that they may not have thought was possible. I have so much fun playing the drums. It's of utmost importance to me that my students experience that same joy! Drumming is not easy, so I've seen students struggle, but with positive reinforcement, encouragement, passioin and work ethic, I am proud to say that I've seen all of my students thrive! Read More

Instruments: Piano Violin Cello Viola

Nothing is more rewarding than seeing one of my students develop a passion for music! I strive to find an individual approach to each student and it's important that each student progresses at his or her own pace. I encourage this by setting realistic goals for my students at each lesson. While daily practice is necessary for quicker progress, not every student has the time for it. So I teach my students how to use the time allocated for personal practice more effectively and how to develop good practice habits. Read More

Instruments: Piano Voice

Above all else, I believe that the learning process should be rewarding and fun! Setting incremental goals that can realistically be accomplished is important because developing skills of this type takes time and patience. I like students to work on both things that are their bread and butter while simultaneously working on more challenging material that will get students out of their comfort zone. I value having a positive personal and professional relationship with students, as lessons should feel like a safe space that students should WANT to come to! Read More

Instruments: Trumpet Trombone Saxophone Clarinet Drums Synthesizer Conga Latin Percussion Music Keyboard

Aquiles Navarro is a New York-based trumpeter, composer and DJ of Panamanian heritage. He derives his sounds from folkloric music, salsa, and reggae. This eclectic music background, based on his upbringing in Panama has led him to collaborate with folkloric musicians, dancers, visual artists, actors, and poets. He studied in Panama with tenor player Carlos Garnett and trumpeter Victor “Vitin” Paz. After moving to the US, he received a Bachelor's degree in Jazz Performance at the New England Conservatory, and a Master’s degree from the Frost School of Music at the University of Miami where he studied with trumpeter Brian Lynch. Read More

Instruments: Voice

I majored in musical theater in college at SUNY Fredonia, where I studied voice extensively. I also love singing country, jazz and everything in between. I started my teaching journey in college, teaching children at my community theater camp for the summers. I’ve had the opportunity to perform in NYC in off-Broadway as well as with choirs, performing at Lincoln Center and The Kennedy Center. I currently reside in Manhattan and perform regularly with my wedding trio that performs all types of music for weddings and events. Read More